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MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -The state of Alabama is working to strengthen its economic ties with Germany. State leaders hosted a delegation from Baden-Wuttemberg, Germany - home to Mercedes. Mercedes has a plant in Tuscaloosa County.

State leaders and the delegation discussed the future of the automobile when it comes to production, technology, and trade - specifically, ongoing negotiations dealing with the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA.

"Trade is very important to the state of Alabama because our leading export happens to be coming from the automotive sector. So, we want to educate the current administration as to the importance of having fair trade agreements that work for everyone including the U.S., but also our trade partners," said Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield.

PELHAM - Shelby County's new economic development entity, 58 Inc., announced the hiring of its first director of economic development at the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce's October community luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 25.

Chad Scroggins, 58 Inc. board member and chief development officer for Shelby County, announced Yvonne Murray, 33, as the entity's leader. Murray's first day on the job is slated for Nov. 6.

"We posted the job in June and then went through a very extensive interview process," Scroggins said. "We brought Yvonne on board about a week ago."

Birmingham has once again received a high ranking on a list of best places to retire in the United States.

Livability has released its best places to retire list, placing Birmingham at No. 7.

Rankings were determined by crunching data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Medicare, Esri, NOAA, Walk Score, the Environmental Protection Agency and more. While each city is unique and provides its own lifestyle for a retiree, Livability focused on health care, climate, crime rates, cost of living, housing costs and access to recreational activities.